My favorite soft shell is water resistant. I could spray a limited amount of water on it and it would all bead up and roll off. Try to use it to carry water and it would begin to soak through immediately. Light sprinkles OK, downpour no.

Two of my nylon shells are waterproof. One of them "breathes" (and not all that well) as long as it's not soaked. However, although the latter wouldn't be perfect, they could conceivably be used to hold and or transport water in a survival situation.

Thanks for the information. Nothing like listening to someone that has actual experience than looking up the terms in the dictionary! Thanks for taking the time in explaining this to me and for being kind and helpful.

ted

Originally Posted by cachehiker

My favorite soft shell is water resistant. I could spray a limited amount of water on it and it would all bead up and roll off. Try to use it to carry water and it would begin to soak through immediately. Light sprinkles OK, downpour no.

Two of my nylon shells are waterproof. One of them "breathes" (and not all that well) as long as it's not soaked. However, although the latter wouldn't be perfect, they could conceivably be used to hold and or transport water in a survival situation.

Easy Ted. I wasn't trying to be a dick. The resistant fabrics will leave you wet after time (it varies considerably) as they generally rely on a fabric coating. The 'proof' bits usually have some sort of membrane where a water molecule can't get through (though vapor may, as in Gore-Tex). When it counts, get the proof model.